Freda

Definitely not 'wet behind the ears' , Jess.

Vendor has had a change of heart and allowed viewing of the vet. report.......but - it transpires there isn't one. The horse was never officially vetted as claimed.

.....and another three yesterday.

Are you Hamish?

Well, we'll never know, 'cos it's a secret. And those horses in behind which should be re-rated following a D.Q...well, that won't happen either..too hard basket.

I knew Son of Zac had met an untimely end, based as I am at the same track as his former trainers.....very sad, a lovely progressive galloper with so much still to offer - and the Hughes stable/staff all looking forward to watching him compete in the bigger arena. But what happened to Survived?

Yup.

The whole thing is a bloody disgrace..and further to my earlier post, keeping the whole biso closeted and confidential only HELPS those who are/may be involved in using the substance. Can't they see that ? or is the whole shebang just that goddamn stupid.

Karen is, certainly.

Not an easy track to get to grips with, he coped pretty well so good on him. Jasmine Fawcett also.

Sad...terrific spectacle and some great, great horses showcased through the years. Seems only the Poms and the Irish can do it properly.

I can't understand all the secrecy. P is a horrible, insidious scourge on modern society, it is rife, it's everywhere. So a P positive is not necessarily a slur on the trainer concerned, but every effort needs to be made to track down the source of contamination for future avoidance ; and dare I add, maybe to try and get help to those users who may be able to be salvaged?

That is correct I believe.

Thanks for the replies...interesting stuff.

There are the odd one or two that don't actually like being hit....will close up if touched...coaxing and beautiful balance may be hard to watch, but hey, if it works..

update so far : vendor is refusing to supply or allow viewing of the vet report, and is demanding payment of second and final instalment.

...they get far less use year-on-year too......but you are quite right nonetheless...esp. about the 'experts'.

If NZ racing doesn't get a significant re-structuring through the Messara report, it won't matter where they are. They - on their own - won't turn our fortunes around significantly and we won't be able to afford to maintain them.

No, not at all....the funds from the new housing development do NOT go to the CJC, rather to the R.R Trustees who are charged with maintaining reserves for the future and benefit of racing for the people of Canterbury. Interest from those funds will be allowed to go to the CJC but as yet, payment in full is a fair way away.

Agree about the drunks..! ...seriously, it is the uniqueness, as you say, that is it's attraction.. also, despite that, Kumara is cash-strapped - and has woeful facilities for stabling horses. Westland, with land assets, adequate if modest stabling/yards, and adequate cash as well, not in the same category at all. Given the history of NZTR for making stupid decisions, this would be another one IMO.

The suspension was imposed by Rafi's home jurisdiction, Singapore....so is a matter for them to deal with. He is away home now.

I would be surprised if a smart operator like JM is not aware of the differing set-up between the two jurisdictions. He would be well aware of the privileged position NZ racing has squandered - I am sure he will be looking to advise strategies that can [ hopefully ] make the industry self-sustaining without begging from the NZ taxpayer. The biggest problem will be enacting legislation to facilitate this. I'm not holding my breath given that most everyone either hates or mistrusts the acting PM...but if he can't, along with his other portfolio as Minister for Racing, achieve this, we've got no show.

Ah.....could be right, yes. However - Fairtax aside, which was a great initiative, I have yet to hear any suggestions from him or anyone else [ aside from you and Rodhill wrt handicapping/allowances ] that could seriously make a difference to the faltering NZTR regime. A lot of criticism, but little constructive I feel. All the reconstruction in the world won't give us much joy - apart from short term - unless the flatlining revenue from NZ galloping can pick up. Hopefully JM can achieve something there.

Bloody fantastic.

6 or 7 years ago...? Enlighten me?